Thank you for that explanation, Mr. Smith.
Yes, Mr. Shields, the words “including Canadian programming” are added to clarify that point. I think that's one of our main concerns about the revision of this act. However, it's true that the subparagraph wouldn't necessarily lose its meaning, and would even afford a little more flexibility, if the words “including Canadian programming” were deleted.
In addition, further to the exchange between Mr. Smith and Mr. Rayes, I'd like to go back to a point concerning algorithms in general. We don't necessarily want to analyze, dissect or understand the algorithms because they are indeed changing, adaptive tools that can be updated several times a day. However, algorithms today are a predominant programming control tool and will be even more so in the future. They will likely become the tool most used by all broadcasters. If the CRTC isn't given access to all the tools it might ultimately need, including algorithms, we'll be missing an important element. I don't think we should deprive ourselves of that.
I also heard someone say there will definitely be considerable resistance from online undertakings because they view algorithms as trade secrets. However, this isn't the first time we've had to regulate sectors of the industry that have trade secrets. We nevertheless have to ensure regulatory compliance. Financial market authorities also have to deal with this kind of delicate information, and they manage to do so without betraying trade secrets.
I don't really think this is a problem we should fear, despite the potential outcry from online undertakings. It shouldn't prevent us from adding the tools the CRTC might need to do its job to the Broadcasting Act.
Thank you.